Events at Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale

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13 November 2019 Wednesday / 08:00 PM

Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale

Free Jungle DnB Party!

14 September 2019 Saturday / 01:14 PM

Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale

About the Lansdowne Hotel

The Lansdowne Hotel is a historic pub and live music venue on the corner of City Road and Broadway in Chippendale, Sydney. Built in 1925 (completed 1926) and designed by noted architect Sidney Warden, it replaced an earlier pub across the street (dictionaryofsydney.org) (collection.powerhouse.com.au). The building’s unique “curious and original” design – a dramatic, Beaux-Arts–style two‐storey corner façade with a clock tower – has given it “a character all its own” (dictionaryofsydney.org) (collection.powerhouse.com.au). Close to the city and Sydney University, the Lansdowne became famous in the 1990s as a community hub for live bands. After a brief closure in 2015, it was fully renovated and reopened in mid-2017 under new management (dictionaryofsydney.org) (thebrag.com). Today it remains one of Sydney’s most iconic live-music pubs – an “inner-city institution” loved for its late hours, bargain drinks and student-friendly crowd (www.chippendalecollective.org.au) (www.broadsheet.com.au). With a total capacity of roughly 480 people (about 200 seats), the venue spans a ground-floor bar, upstairs bandroom and a new rooftop terrace (www.tagvenue.com) (www.tagvenue.com). Its celebrated stage has hosted everyone from local legends like You Am I and The Living End to international stars (a young Billie Eilish even played here in 2017) (www.chippendalecollective.org.au) (www.broadsheet.com.au).

Events and Programming

The Lansdowne runs live entertainment almost every night. Weekday staples include pub trivia nights and novelty games (e.g. the popular “Kiama’s Blowhole Bingo” on Thursdays), free-entry DJ parties or acoustic acts on Fridays, and funk/indie bands on weekends. The official schedule promises “events all week” – from Wednesday trivia to DJ nights and local bands, right through to touring acts (www.chippendalecollective.org.au) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Big-name acts mix with homegrown talent on stage: recent lineups have spanned psychedelic rock, punk, synth-pop and more. For example, Sydney metal act Battlesnake or experimental duo EGOISM have headlined at the Lansdowne, and a rolling roster of up-and-coming local groups (Porcelain Boy, FANGZ, etc.) often fill weeknights courtesy of indie promoters (concreteplayground.com) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Even major bands on tour drop by this intimate club – the stage has welcomed Ireland’s Fontaines D.C. and Aussie indie-pop act Lime Cordiale (concreteplayground.com) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Trivia and quiz nights happen weekly (typically Wednesday from 7:30pm, with themed drink and burger deals (www.broadsheet.com.au)). Special events include late-night DJ sets (fridays and saturdays on the rooftop) and seasonal showcases (for its centenary in 2025 the Lansdowne even ran a month-long festival of local bands (concreteplayground.com)). Ticket prices vary by act – headline tours might be $25–$35, while smaller shows and comedy gigs can be $10–$20. Many pub events are low-cost or free (trivia nights are free entry, often with food/drink specials).

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Lansdowne shows are usually available through Sydney concert outlets or the venue’s official website. Popular gigs often sell out, so it pays to watch the pub’s announcements or follow its social media. Generally, tickets go on sale a few weeks before each event. For big-name acts or special events you may need to buy online via a ticketing service, while some local shows offer tickets or wristbands at the door on the night if seats remain. There is no separate box-office on site – all ticketing is handled via advertised sellers or the pub’s own guest list. For high-demand shows, book early or join any presale lists; for smaller gigs, it’s sometimes possible to just turn up early and buy at the door. Most Lansdowne shows are 18+ (due to serving alcohol), so bring photo ID and be prepared for potential bag checks or wristbands at entry. Ticket prices typically range from modest cover charges (e.g. trivia nights are free) to around $20–$30 for mid-level bands, with headliners or special one-off concerts closer to $40.

Seating and Layout

The Lansdowne is primarily a general-admission venue. Concerts are held upstairs in the “bandroom” (first floor), where the stage has room for a full band. In this upstairs room you’ll find a small raised stage at one end, a dance/standing area in front of it, and a few chairs lined along the back and sides for the more casual viewer. For music shows the entire floor is usually cleared of tables – as Tagvenue notes, that room can accommodate about 200 standing guests (or up to 200 seated in a dining layout) (www.tagvenue.com). The best view is from the floor near the front of the stage; if you prefer seats, grab a table or chair at the rear balcony of the bandroom (though most shows have no formal seating). Down on the ground floor is the main pub bar area (often used for smaller acoustic sets or afterparties); it’s more of a lounge and eats space with capacity for roughly 200 (with some dining seating) (www.tagvenue.com). Up top, the lansdowne’s new rooftop terrace (opened in 2020) offers outdoor bar service and skyline views. Acoustically, note that the stage room is low-ceilinged and intimate, so sound can get loud up front – earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive. Staff may cordon off VIP or press areas near the stage for special guests, but mostly the crowd mixes freely. (Separation: The bar serves both upstairs and downstairs, and at many shows you can drink up front as long as it’s not in the immediate pathway. There are no permanent “VIP booths” – the space is honest and unfussy. You may want to avoid sitting right next to the speakers if you’re up sensitive to loud bass.)

Getting There and Parking

The Lansdowne Hotel’s address is **2–6 City Road, Chippendale NSW 2008**. It’s very centrally located: roughly a 10–12 minute walk west from Central Station (www.chippendalecollective.org.au) (thelansdownepub.com.au). From Central, head out toward City Road/Broadway – you’ll see the pub’s tall corner building easily. If coming from Kingsford or the city, several bus routes run along Broadway and Regent Street near the venue (e.g. the 440/445/280/355 buses on Broadway). The venue itself is a short walk from Broadway’s bus stops and is served by any North-South city buses that stop at Central. Rideshare or taxi drop-off is typically easiest on City Road right outside the pub (there’s usually space for a quick drop-off at the kerbside). Parking in Chippendale is limited. There is **no dedicated parking lot** for the Lansdowne Hotel. On-street metered parking is scarce (mostly 1–2 hour zones on side streets). The nearest large public option is the Broadway Shopping Centre car park (2–6 Bay Street), just across the road – it has thousands of spaces (often 2 hours free) (www.parkopedia.com.au). Other nearby lots include the small “Budget” pay lot on Regent Street (about 3 minutes’ walk) and pay parking lots at UTS and Sydney University buildings a bit to the east. If you drive, allow extra time to find a spot or consider dropping off passengers and parking on Broadway or adjacent suburbs. Many concert-goers simply use the train or buses to avoid parking headaches.

Inside the Venue

Expect a lively, friendly pub atmosphere once inside. Entry is usually through the City Road front door or side alley (the usual pub door). At busy shows the staff may request tickets or IDs at the door – carry photo ID if you look under 25. In the bandroom, removable metal detectors or wand screenings are rare but security may check bags on busy nights. The floors are concrete/barrel‐style, the walls decorated with vintage Aussie pub signs and beer-branded memorabilia. The ground-floor bar area serves craft beers and a mix of creative cocktails out of high counters. Since 2024 much of the food and drink menu has been revamped with a Mexican twist (thanks to the “Happy Mexican” kitchen takeover (www.broadsheet.com.au) (www.broadsheet.com.au)). You’ll find birria tacos, fish and zucchini taco duos, guacamole-loaded wedges and chilaquiles alongside burgers, wings and fries (www.broadsheet.com.au) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Happy-hour deals and $10 burger specials are common, and there’s always a rotating tap list (in recent years they’ve refreshed with Doom Juice natural wines, Young Henrys craft beer, etc.). Gun a cold beer upstairs before a concert – the pub-style taps include Australian staples (“Reschs” is often on tap) and local craft. There are two bars: one downstairs near the entrance and one up by the stage upstairs. During shows, expect long lines at peak times – pacing yourself is wise. There’s no coat-check, so keep personal items on you. The venue does have free Wi-Fi (mainly for guests upstairs/off duty, not robust enough for streaming). Outlets for charging phones are scarce – better go low-tech and enjoy the night. Restrooms are standard pub-style (group toilets) on both floors. A merchandise table is often set up near the stage, where bands sell CDs, shirts or posters – if you’re a collector, arrive early to browse. For smokers: indoor smoking is not allowed. There is an outdoor smoking area off the back — a narrow covered alleyway with an “urban” vibe (Broadsheet even nicknamed it a “Tokyo-themed alley” with neon lights) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Finally, expect friendly service. The staff and regulars create a down-to-earth vibe – they appreciate that you came to enjoy the music.

Nearby Amenities

The Lansdowne sits in a buzzy inner-city neighbourhood. Directly across City Road is Broadway Shopping Centre (also called Forbes Street Plaza) (thelansdownepub.com.au). This mall has a food court, cafes and cinema screens – convenient for a pre-show meal (there’s Asian take-away, Nando’s, grill stands, etc.) or last-minute supplies. Just a short walk away are Chinatown and Central Park Mall (Darling Square) (thelansdownepub.com.au). Central Park (the trendy mixed-use park/retail complex) and Chinatown’s eateries are 10–15 minutes on foot if you want more dining or bar options. The adjacent suburb of Newtown is a 15–20 minute walk through Glebe, so you have endless options for Thai, Italian, burgers or late-night bites before or after a gig. If you need a room, note that the Lansdowne building itself offers hostel-style accommodation upstairs (thelansdownepub.com.au). It has mixed dorms and private rooms, making it one of the few pubs where you can literally sleep over. Otherwise, nearby hotels include the Ibis Styles Chippendale or Novotel Central (both ~10 min walk) for more comfort. For a nightcap after shows, there are more pubs just around Chippendale and Ultimo. A few doors down on City Road is the friendly Irish-themed Lone Star Hotel (with live music) and a little further on is The Sheaf (a craft beer pub specializing in late-night piss-ups). If you fancy a rooftop drink, the newly refurbed Goldfields House bar at Central Park is not far away. Late-night dining is easy too: many pizza or kebab joints in the Broadway area stay open well past midnight. In a nutshell, you’re surrounded by city buzz – cinemas, cafes, clubs and eateries are all in easy walking distance (thelansdownepub.com.au).

What Makes This Venue Special

The Lansdowne Hotel’s charm lies in its genuine pub vibe meshed with a storied rock history. Its vintage exterior and old-world interior recall a time when pubs were the local community hub. Inside, the place feels lived-in and unpretentious – floors sticky from spilled beer, plasters over old holes, and an overall no-frills warmth. What makes it truly special is how it embraced contemporary music culture without losing its old-skip feel. As one reviewer put it, it’s now entering its second century of “loud, sweaty, unpretentious good times” (concreteplayground.com). Legendary concerts have happened on this stage (“its beer-soaked stage” as Broadsheet quipped (www.broadsheet.com.au)) – a rite of passage for Sydney bands. In 2025 the pub even celebrated 100 years by hosting a month-long lineup of cutting-edge local acts (concreteplayground.com), proving its ongoing vital role. Culturally, the Lansdowne stands out as one of the few remaining old-school music venues in Sydney’s inner-city, especially after recent venue closures. Long-serving patrons call it an institution where both artists and audiences can let loose. Musicians love playing here for its intimacy – you’re cranking amps at point-blank range from the crowd. The owners (current and past, from the Mary’s burger team to the Oxford Art Factory crew) often stress that saving the Lansdowne was a labour of love – a response to the city’s dwindling nightlife (www.broadsheet.com.au) (lifewithoutandy.com). Even artistically, the space has character: the upstairs was once a New York–style diner (themusic.com.au) and now is a vibrant gig room, the rooftop a surprise “oasis” with blue astroturf and beach umbrellas (www.broadsheet.com.au). All this makes the Lansdowne feel like stepping into a piece of Sydney rock’n’roll history – a place known for its friendly chaos and for breaking new bands, rather than a polished, corporate club.

Visitor Tips and Information

**Accessibility:** The Lansdowne is in an old building with stairs to the bandroom and rooftop, so it is only partially wheelchair-accessible. The ground-floor bar is at street level, but the main music floor is up a flight of stairs. There are accessible toilets on the ground floor. If you or someone in your group has mobility needs, it’s wise to call ahead and see what assistance they can offer. **Entry and ID:** Always bring a photo ID. The venue will strictly enforce the drinking age (18+) at night. Door staff may wristband you after ID-check. Smoking is only allowed in the back alley area, not inside. It’s a casual pub – dress as you like, but non-slip shoes can help on those sometimes sticky floors. **What to Bring:** Cash is handy (though the bars take cards), especially smaller bills for bar tabs or tips. Earplugs are wise if you sit close to the stage (the sound gets very loud). A portable charger might be useful since phone reception is moderate and there’s no easy charging spot. Check the weather: on open nights the rooftop gets chilly after dark, so pack a jacket if you plan to hang there. **Age Limits:** Most Lansdowne concerts are 18+ after around 8pm due to liquor licensing. Early-evening trivia or acoustic matinees (if any) may be family-friendly, but don’t count on kids at a typical gig. Call the venue for specific events if you’re unsure. **Arrive Early:** Popular shows can fill the upstairs quickly. Arriving early (30–60 minutes) helps you claim a good viewing spot. It also gives time to order from the bar before the crowd. On busy nights there’s no seating guarantees, so snag a chair or standing position early. **Common Mistakes to Avoid:** Don’t expect a theatre-like experience (there are no ushers with cushions). There’s no bag-check service, so limit bulky items. Dave: photography is generally allowed but avoid flash during performances. The pub is smoky outside and lively inside, so bring earplugs or step outside if it’s too loud. Some say “don’t miss the happy-hour deals”: check midweek specials (e.g. trivia nights often have cheap burgers and jugs (www.broadsheet.com.au)). **Insider Note:** If you’re a music fan, it pays to keep an eye on the Lansdowne’s Instagram or mailing list. Last-minute secret shows or surprise guests sometimes pop up. Also, if the gig is sold out, go chat to the door staff – sometimes they honor sold-out ticket stubs for free entry elsewhere or let latecomers in around 15 minutes after show-start (if safe). Finally, remember the sense of community here – strike up a chat with a local; you’ll often hear great tips on the next band to watch or get advice on navigating Sydney’s scene from the pub veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capacity of the Lansdowne Hotel?

The Lansdowne can hold around 480 people at once. The upstairs bandroom fits about 200 people (standing); the ground-floor pub area adds another ~200. The rooftop terrace (added in 2020) can hold roughly 80 more. In seated mode the total is up to about 200 seats. (www.tagvenue.com) (www.tagvenue.com)

How do I buy tickets for Lansdowne shows?

Tickets are sold online through various Sydney ticketing services (usually announced on Lansdowne social channels). For big gigs, buy in advance via the official event listing. Smaller local shows may sell tickets at the door. There’s no box office on site – just show your e-ticket or cash payment at the pub entrance. It’s wise to book early, as popular gigs can sell out fast.

Where is the Lansdowne Hotel located?

The Lansdowne is at 2–6 City Road, Chippendale NSW 2008. It’s right on the corner of City Road and Broadway (across from Broadway Shopping Centre). Walk west for about 10–12 minutes from Sydney Central Station, or take any city bus that stops near Broadway/City Road for the quickest access (www.chippendalecollective.org.au) (thelansdownepub.com.au).

Is there parking available at the Lansdowne?

No onsite parking is provided. Street parking in Chippendale is very limited. The nearest large car park is at the Broadway Shopping Centre (4 minutes’ walk), which offers thousands of spaces (typically 2-hour free parking) (www.parkopedia.com.au). Other paid lots are a bit farther away (e.g. UTS car park, small lots on Regent Street). Many visitors prefer to use public transport or rideshare drop-offs to avoid parking hassle.

What are the best spots inside for viewing a concert?

For the main upstairs gigs, the best spot is on the dance floor close to the stage – you’ll be right in front of the performers. If you like to sit, the few chairs along the back rail or side walls give you a view of the whole band. The ground floor bar area is more for socialising than watching, and has no stage view. Arrive early to claim a front spot if it’s a big show, since everyone on the floor stands during popular acts.

What is the typical ticket price range?

Ticket prices vary. Free events like trivia nights have no cover. Small local bands usually charge $10–$20. Larger touring acts and Friday/Saturday headliners often range from $25–$40. Check the specific event announcement for exact pricing, but as a rule most Lansdowne gigs are quite affordable compared to bigger city venues.

Are there age restrictions at Lansdowne shows?

Because the Lansdowne serves alcohol, most nighttime concerts are 18+ (strictly enforced with ID). Some daytime or all-ages events (like an afternoon matinee or family trivia) may allow younger guests, but these are rare – always check the event details. If in doubt, plan on it being an adult-only atmosphere after dark.

What food and drink options are available?

The bar offers a full drinks menu: tap beers (often Young Henrys and standard Aussie lagers), wines (including natural wines from Doom Juice), and a selection of cocktails. Since 2024 the kitchen menu is run by the Happy Mexican team (www.broadsheet.com.au) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Expect Mexican street-food fare: birria tacos, pescado or zucchini tacos, nachos, grilled chicken gyros, burgers and loaded sides (www.broadsheet.com.au) (www.broadsheet.com.au). Rumour has it they still do a $10 burger special on some days. Food can be bulky, so if you’re there for a band, stick to grab-a-plate items and skip the mess (the upstairs gig room has no kitchen). You can order food up to a short time before the band starts.

Is there a coat check or cloakroom?

No – there is no coat check at the Lansdowne. Carry valuables on you and bear in mind you’ll have limited space around your feet when the dance floor fills up. If you have a coat, you can hang it on a chair or prop it against a wall, but crowded shows can get tight. Pack light for comfort.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Only partially. The street-level public bar is on the ground floor and step-free, and there are accessible restrooms. However, the main performance room and rooftop are only reachable by stairs. The venue does not have a lift to the first floor. People using wheelchairs can still enjoy downstairs events, but full upstairs concert access isn’t available without assistance. Contact the venue if you need more info on special accommodations.

Are outside drinks or cameras allowed inside?

No outside food or drink is permitted, as per NSW liquor laws. Feel free to bring your camera or phone to take photos (flash is usually discouraged during performances). There’s Wi-Fi in the building (mainly for hotel guests), but concert crowds often rely on mobile networks for connectivity. In short, plan to buy your own drinks at the bar and to enjoy the vibe with your friends.

Can I buy accommodation at The Lansdowne?

Yes – above the pub there’s a backpacker-style hotel/hostel with dorm rooms and private beds. It was fully renovated in 2017 (thelansdownepub.com.au). This lets visiting bands or late-night gig-goers crash upstairs when the venue closes. You can book a bed or room directly through the Lansdowne’s website (it shows as the same address). Otherwise, nearby hotels like Ibis Styles Chippendale or Novotel Central are 10–15 minutes’ walk away.